Death of Randallstown Teen by Off-Duty Cop Ruled Homicide
Autopsy reveals asphyxiation as the cause of death of a 17-year-old who was chased by a 9-year veteran police officer.
A 17-year-old Randallstown youth who died after fighting with an off-duty police officer on Wednesday night has been ruled the victim of homicide, according to officials.
On Thursday afternoon, the medical examiner's office reported that the cause of death of Christopher Brown, of the 3900 block of Carthage Rd., was asphyxiation.
The officer, who chased and fought with Brown, has been placed on routine administrative leave while incident is being investigated. Once the Baltimore County homicide unit has finished its investigation, the Baltimore County State's Attorney will determine whether the homicide was justified.
According to police, the off-duty officer chased Brown after an incident at the policeman's house on Susanna Road. The identity of the officer, a 9-year veteran assigned to Precinct 2/Wilkens, has not been released by police.
At around 10:30 p.m. Wednesday night, a 911 call was received from a resident on the 4000 block of Starbrook Road who reported a police officer calling for help on her front lawn, according to police.
Police arrived on the scene to find the teenager unconscious on the ground and the off-duty officer giving CPR, officials said.
A medic unit was called, and the crew transported Brown to Northwest Hospital, where he was declared dead, according to police.
The incident began when the off-duty officer was at home and heard a loud bang. He discovered that his front door was damaged, and saw three or four people running away, police said.
The officer chased Brown across lawns and between houses for several blocks, ending at Starbrook Road, where the officer heard Brown hiding in some bushes, according to police.
The officer ordered the youth to come out of the bushes, and when he refused reached in to pull the youth out, police said. A fight ensued and the youth lapsed into unconsciousness, according to police.
Although the officer and Brown were neighbors, police said that they did not previously know each other.
Harry Callahan
4:51 pm on Friday, June 15, 2012
It's a real shame that this happened, but when you decide to prank someone, you had better know who you are dealing with and be prepared for unintended consequences such as this.
Every parent who can read should require their children to read about this incident.
I'm not saying that what the officer did was right. I'm not saying that the kids were harmless pranksters (because if they did this to some poor, elderly soul, then the outcome might have been reversed with the homeowner loosing their life). All I'm saying is that this kind of unexpected tragedy can happen when one decides to pull a "prank" on a stranger. It is impossible to predict what may or may not happen and if the outcome of the "prank" may have fatal consequences such as it did in this case.
I feel sorry for everyone involved.
Karen Mitchell
8:15 pm on Friday, June 15, 2012
So sad that this happened this way. I often think about my 15 year old son in these situations. I'm sure that this child did not believe this harmless prank would have left him dead, because he wouldn't have done it had he known. But I believe the officer could have handled the situation totally different. He could have held the boy down until police were called, but instead he took matters into his own hands! Should never had happened. He could have just gotten the door fix through civil court if it was damaged that bad. Now a child has lost his life behind a harmless prank!! The officer's actions are not justifiable in my eyes!
dameon
9:39 pm on Friday, June 15, 2012
Thier is no self defense law never mind property defense in maryland the officer should be tried for 1st degree murder his intent was clear
lavenia
12:44 pm on Saturday, June 23, 2012
The boy or boys had no reason to trepass on a cop's property. U never know the mind frame of a person n people should tell or teach their kids bout respectin other peeps property. There was no reason y the boy or boys were playin pranks on hard workin homeowners. Peopl need to teach n discipline their children more then they will respect the law n other people property. Nobody wants a damaged front door that u worked hard for to get n u have spoiled ungrateful kids destroyin ur stuff. It has to end. Step up n take responsibilities for ur child's immature acts n stop blaming the cop who was just protecting his home. He didn't go lookin for trouble, trouble came to his door and damaged it. Sorry for the lost of a youthful life but let's get real the youth nowadays r our death sentence. They have no respect for themselves or others. Before judging outsiders, check ur kids n how u r raising them. Then make a fuss.